Sport and exercise scientist
Career outlook for sport and exercise scientist
Average UK salary
£43,680
Currently employed in Scotland
10,400
"LMI for All" supplies our salary and employment status information. "Oxford Economics" supplies job forecasts and employment figures. Due to COVID-19 the jobs market is constantly changing. Some of the information may not reflect the current situation.
What's it like?
You would look at the human body, its shape, how it works and moves, and how people think about physical activity. You would work with athletes and sports people and help them to become better at what they do.
You might also work with the public to help them to improve their health through exercise, or recover from injury or illness through physical activity.
You could:
- Work with staff such as sports coaches and sports therapists to assess sports people and help to improve their performance
- Work with doctors to help people improve their health through physical activity
- Work with hospitals and Clinical Commissioning Groups in areas such as cardiac rehabilitation and health promotion
- Take part in research projects
- Give advice on the design of sports equipment
Working conditions
Hours
Environment
Travel
UK employment status
Full-time
58%
Part-time
27%
Self employed
14%
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- Cooperating
- Verbal communication
- Written communication
- Problem solving
- Observation
- Researching
- Filtering
- Developing a plan
- Analysing
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Entry requirements for courses can change. Always contact the college, university or training provider to check exactly what you'll need.
Qualifications
Entry is very competitive. You would need a degree (SCQF level 9/10) in sport and exercise science, or in biology/physical education with a postgraduate sports sciences qualification (SCQF level 11).
Entry to a sports science degree (SCQF level 9/10) generally requires four National 5 qualifications and at least four Highers or a relevant HNC/HND qualification (SCQF level 7/8).
Some universities offer an integrated master's (SCQF level 11) combining a degree and master's courses. Entry is the same as for a degree.
You should have a strong interest and some ability in sports, and also an interest in science.
Useful subjects
- English (required by most courses)
- Maths (required by most courses)
- Science subjects (required by most courses)
- Physical education
- Health & food technologies
- Social studies such as psychology
You will also need
To be approved for membership of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme run by Disclosure Scotland.
Helpful to have
Relevant work experience or voluntary work may improve your chances of getting a place on a course.
Qualifications and experience that show understanding of sports, exercise, diet and science such as Skills for Work Laboratory Science (SCQF level 5) or Sports and Recreation (SCQF level 4/5).